Lewis Brown dies at 56; former high school basketball star in Los Angeles

The 6-foot-11 center was a two-time player of the year at Verbum Dei High in the 1970s. He spent the last 10 years living on the streets of Hollywood.

By Eric Sondheimer

September 20, 2011

Lewis Brown, a 6-foot-11 center who was a two-time high school basketball player of the year at Los Angeles Verbum Dei in the 1970s and spent the last 10 years living on the streets of Hollywood, died Wednesday after having a heart attack, according to his sister, Anita Brown Campbell. He was 56.

In 1972 and '73, Brown was named the Southern Section 4-A player of the year, the first time since the award began in 1938 that a player had been honored in consecutive years in the highest division.

"He was part of Verbum Dei lore," said DeAnthony Langston, a former Verbum Dei basketball player. "He was walking around the neighborhood, being like Wilt Chamberlain."

Brown led Verbum Dei to three 4-A championships and an overall record of 88-4.

"He was a dominating factor in high school basketball," said former Crescenta Valley coach Ed Goorjian, whose team lost to Brown and Verbum Dei in the 1971 4-A final.

Brown signed with Nevada Las Vegas and played for Coach Jerry Tarkanian on teams that went 102-16. In 1977, UNLV reached college basketball's Final Four.

He played professional basketball in France and the Philippines and was signed to a 10-day NBA contract by the Washington Bullets in 1981. He later had substance abuse problems, according to his sister.

Tony Chauncey, friend of Brown, said Brown had been saving money and had intended to reunite with his family.

Born Feb. 19, 1955, in Los Angeles, Brown is survived by sisters Anita and Jeri, mother, Bette, and father, Lewis.

A funeral will be held at noon Thursday at St. Albert the Great Church, 804 E. Compton Blvd., Compton.

eric.sondheimer@latimes.com

Comments (3)

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KellyMullis at 1:21 AM September 21, 2011

Lewis Brown was my friend. I take acting class at the Elephant Theatre and Lewis was always around asking us if we wanted our windows washed. When I first met Lewis, he said to me "I may be big and scary, but I'm really a nice guy." I knew right away that I could trust him. I could see what a beautiful soul he had. About 3-4 weeks ago, two classmates and I stood outside the theatre for a long time listening to him talk about his life and about being a basketball player. I told him that he should write a book about his life. Lewis was this Legend living on the streets! When I came home, I told my boyfriend about Lewis and he suggested that I contact "HBO REAL SPORTS" to tell them about Lewis. I ended up leaving town for a couple of weeks and I was so excited to see him upon my return to class, but then tonight I heard of the tragically sad news. I can't believe he's gone. I shall never forget my friend Lewis Brown, the Gentle Giant. I know that he loved God and he was a man of great Faith. I know that he had a lot of pain inside of him, but he always held his head high. He was the most dignified man I've ever met! I will miss my friend. I shall never forget him. I know he's in Heaven!!! Now people will know who he was. RIP Lewis Brown. I feel honored and privilaged to call you my friend. Thank you for your kindness! God Bless you!!! xo, Kelly Mullis

studiocitizen at 10:32 AM September 20, 2011

I worked at Pacific Title and Art Studio for many years which is near Vine and Santa Monica Blvds. in Hollywood. The first time I saw this huge man pushing a shopping cart, I was rather fearful. He gave me nod but otherwise ignored me. Over the next few months I found out that he was a former basketball player. He lived on the sidewalk in a covered doorway of a warehouse, slept on a piece of cardboard, and scavenged food from nearby restaurants. He turned out to be very friendly. I never saw him drunk or stoned though. He seemed at ease with his place in life.

tchauncey at 9:50 AM September 20, 2011

I ate lunch with Lew almost once a week since we spent my birthday together on May 28 2011 One day the complete story will come out from his mouth For now Ill just quote something this Wise and gentle giant said to me and his sister at the same time Imagine that she was in Ny I was next to him in LA I CAN'T TAKE NO B.S. YOU MUST SHOW ME RESPECT CAUSE WE'RE ALL HERE ON GOD'S LOAN YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN HE'LL BE CALLING US HOME thank you to all who have helped in remembering my friend and lunch partner Lewis Brown Get to know someone who you might consider different you never know how wonderful a person they can be

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